Monday, December 20, 2010

Split Pea Soup

(Sleepy Soup)

1 lb dry green split peas
1 meaty ham bone
1 cup chopped onion
1 tsp chicken bouillon
1/4 tsp pepper
1 c finely chopped carrot
1 c finely chopped celery

1/2 c evaporated milk

2 slices bacon

Simmer ham bone for a few hours. Remove bone & add peas. Simmer another 1 1/2 hours. Chop meat and return to pot with vegetables and seasonings, simmer until tender, stir in milk. Garnish with bacon bits.

Sunday, December 19, 2010

Quinoa with Dried Cherries and Pistachios


Photo and Recipe from Cooking Light, December 2010
Quinoa-with-cherries-ck-l
Yield: 8 servings (serving size: 3/4 cup)

Ingredients

  • 1 3/4  cups  uncooked quinoa
  • 2  tablespoons  plus 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
  • 3  tablespoons  finely chopped shallots
  • 2  cups  water
  • 1/3  cup  dry white wine or chicken broth
  • 1/2  teaspoon  salt
  • 3  tablespoons  fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4  teaspoon  freshly ground pepper
  • 1/2  cup  dried sweet cherries, chopped
  • 1/2  cup  dry-roasted pistachios, chopped
  • 1/4  cup  chopped fresh mint
  • 1/4  cup  chopped fresh parsley

Preparation

1. Rinse and drain quinoa. Heat 2 teaspoons oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add shallots to pan; sauté 2 minutes or until tender. Add 2 cups water, wine, and salt to pan; bring to a boil. Add quinoa; cover, reduce heat, and simmer 15 minutes or until liquid is absorbed and quinoa is tender. Remove from heat; set aside, and cool slightly.
2. Combine remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil, lemon juice, and pepper in a large bowl; stir with a whisk. Add quinoa, cherries, and remaining ingredients; toss gently to combine.
From Kelly!

Friday, December 10, 2010

Cinnamon-Mascarpone Baked Pears

2 medium-large ripe pears
2 tsp brown sugar
2 tsp butter
1/4 cup white grape juice

6 Tablespoons mascarpone cheese
2 tsp brown sugar
1/4 tsp cinnamon

Preheat oven to 375'. Halve the pears lengthwise and core. Place cored side up in medium baking dish. spoon 1/2 tsp brown sugar and 1/2 tsp butter into each cavity. Pour grape juice into baking dish. Bake 20 minutes, until pears are tender and lightly brown.

Stir together cheese, sugar, and cinnamon.

To serve, arrange one pear half per plate. Top with 1 1/2 tablespoons cheese mixture.